TV Journalist Quits His Job to Live on a Tiny House Boat & Cruise UK Canals Full-Time

In this video, we meet David Johns, a former TV journalist from the UK who quit his job, sold his house, and bought a narrowboat to cruise the canal network. His plan was to try being a live aboard for a year. He’s been living aboard for 9 months so far and he’s still happy with his decision and loves being part of the friendly, helpful narrowboat community.

Watch this video to take a tour of David's narrowboat, learn how he earns an income as a freelance journalist, where he “parks” his boat, and about the joys & challenges of life afloat.

We were excited when he sent us his interview footage because we learned so much about this alternative lifestyle that he’s trying out. We love the idea of living in a tiny house on the water and of being able to explore from the comfort of your own home (a lot like living in a van!).

Thanks for watching!

Mat & Danielle

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Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.

Filming Credit:

[fumbleknit]

June, 2021, and Mr. Johns is still living happily aboard his narrowboat. More power to him!

[evelina]

I loved his british eloquence. This lad is clearly enjoying his time on this "bit of an adventure" he made for himself. I loved when he said that rainy and windy days are as sweet as sunny and shiny days. That is the true core of a life well lived, enjoying every aspect of it.

[naz.tanzeem]

Respect to this man for caring for his elderley parents.

[camperblackmagic]

David is living the life most people talk and dream about

[Thenextrealm]

That’s how you measure true success; happiness and not by monetary means, well done David you’ve found the key.

[hindsy]

He’s really well spoken and articulate. I bet he’d do well as a TV reporter.

[RaysTrack]

How refreshing to see a video produced by a pro. Interesting, no padding, well edited, no interminable intro, erudite commentary. Excellent job :-)

[irisgreene]

Greetings from a van lifer (3 yrs full time this May 1) in Hollywood! I would so love to try long boating in the UK now after watching this vid! As a woman in Los Angeles, we don’t have the same community given the more dangerous environment, but I think it would be so lovely 👍

[davidharrison]

this was going to be our dream after an early retirement . we where going to design and build our own boat and move onto the canals . a serious work accident 24 years ago put a complete stop to that . i cannot even get on a boat any more . had to sell my sea boat and all my bikes . its great to watch others living the dream instead . not bitter at all . its what it is . life throws stuff at you over your life . your life is wonderful . i wish you well .!

[readu]

You are very articulate. You make a great TV presenter.

[garbinator]

My blood pressure went way down merely watching this "Life Path" go on before my eyes. Love it!

[pierredanisy]

I like your no-nonsense, down-to-earth, informative, questioning, enjoyable and addictive short films on the semi-hidden world of the British canal system. I particularly like your opinions on the boat, equipment, canals, marinas, maintenance, etc. The list is not exhaustive. Please keep up the information and I look forward to watching more.

[OliverWoodphotography]

My parents bought a narrow boat in the early 80s following a 2 week boat holiday. We actually bought the boat from the hire company that provided our first holiday boat. To this day I still feel they were the best, most happy and interesting family holidays we ever had. My dad was an ex Marine and loved anything to do with boats and he took us on a lot of character building adventures. Now, more than 30yrs later I'm thinking of either selling my house, or monetising it in some other way to fund my own single handed return to canal life.

[virendermohan]

Great documentary, he is very articulate and whole program was well focused, crystal clear and very lucid. He gave all the information without boaring for a moment. Well Done!!!!

[deplorabled]

This guy has quit as a TV frontman, but he narrates here as if he is reading the news - a beautiful voice.

[katdodd]

Bravo to you!!! Love it! Shattered the stereotypical image of "success". THIS is success!!!

[alaskabound]

I've been following David's narrowboat life since he first got his boat, and as usual, he has delivered here a fine glimpse into this lovely way of life. I highly recommend following his YouTube channel, as it's always a pleasure to find another episode uploaded. I look forward to every one, and I'm never disappointed. As usual, well done, David! :)

[terencejay]

Interesting to come across this almost four years later, having watched dozens of Cruising The Cut videos, and to see how contented David still seems with it all.

[RangKlos]

Very inspiring. Not only for the style of living but the way you think things through and face the challenges cool, calm and collected.

[tommypetraglia]

4 years later, after watching your channel now and again for 2 years, I finally got back to your beginning.

You've done very well chap. Good on you